How To Make Healthy Choices Easy

header image for healthy choices post - April J Harris cooking in her kitchen. Bowls of fruit, vegetables, citrus fruit are arranged on the kitchen island

In early December of 2015 I discovered that despite eating reasonably well and working out pretty regularly, my jeans were feeling tight. My blood pressure was a little high and I was definitely overweight. I always believed I had a pretty healthy diet – and on the whole I did – but when I was honest with myself I realised it definitely could be better. It was time to start making some healthy choices.

Here are some of the things I did that helped me get back on track, and lose over 30 pounds in the process.

Updated March 2026 – Disclosure: I received samples of Indigo Herbs products back in 2016 for the purposes of writing this post.

Disclaimer: This post should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise programme.

How To Make Healthy Choices Easy

Prioritise Protein and Eat Plenty of Fruit and Vegetables

Balance is incredibly important when it comes to making healthy choices. Eat a variety of foods, make sure you get some protein at every meal and eat plenty of fruit and veggies. Recent health guidance suggests that as part of the healthy choices we make, we should all try to eat thirty plants a week. This is actually easier than you might think, especially with the tips I share in How to Eat 30 Plants a Week – Tips and Easy Recipes post.

Follow the 80/20 Rule

Don’t be too hard on yourself – as long as you make healthy choices eighty percent of the time, you can indulge a little the other twenty percent of the time. I use this with exercise as well, always taking at least one day a week off, although I might take a gentle walk that day just to get some fresh air. A small indulgence need not be a setback, nor an excuse to throw in the towel!

Make a Healthy Choices Smoothie

I was always a bit reluctant to drink smoothies as I thought they contained a lot of calories – and store bought smoothies can – but when I started to make my own I realised that didn’t have to be the case. I could pack a whole lot of protein and nutrition into a delicious drink that would help me start the day off right and have enough left over to drink post-workout as well.

I simply put a bit of water in my Vitamix along with some yogurt for protein. After I put the yogurt in the blender I added a teaspoon of Indigo Herbs Organic Barley Grass Powder and 2 teaspoons of Indigo Herbs Supervital Powder which contains beetroot, acai and baobab. Then I added fresh and frozen fruit and some spinach, topped the whole thing off with some ice and blended.

Now, 10 years later, I have tried other products too and sometimes mix and match, but back in 2015, this was my go-to combination.

Exercise Regularly

You don’t have to exercise for hours and hours to feel a benefit. Even a brisk ten minute walk can make a difference. Start slowly and build up to longer periods of time. Exercise releases endorphins (happy hormones) and reduces stress.

I work out with a personal trainer two to three times a week, do Pilates and Yoga, and work out on my own or go for a walk on non-training days. I’ve noticed a huge difference in how I look, but more importantly to how I feel, since I committed to exercising regularly.

Use Lots of Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices not only enhance the taste of food, they are good for you as well. Use fresh herbs in cooking, spike your stir fry with fresh ginger and garlic or sprinkle a little cinnamon or ginger on top of your latte. This can help you cut back on sugar, sweeteners and salt as well.

A Few Small Changes Can Make A Big Difference

A few small changes really can make a big difference. By August 2016, I had lost over 30 pounds (2+ stone) and gone down 5 dress sizes. Updated March 2026 – I’ve kept the weight off for nearly 10 years and am fitter and stronger than I have ever been. I’ve also got tons more energy. You can do it too!

How To Make Healthy Choices Easy